What are Water Filters?
Water filters are filtration devices that remove harmful contaminants from your tap water.
Filtered water is safer for cooking, better tasting, and odor-free. Unfortunately, the quality of drinking water across the globe is getting poorer. Even though municipal water is treated, contaminants can still sneak into the water distribution network.
Here’s a full list of contaminants that might be present in your tap water.
Choosing a water filter can be taxing as there are many options available. The best filters use a multi-stage filtration system to tackle a wide range of contaminants.
How Do Water Filters Work?
Water filters use two techniques to purify water:
| Types of Filtration | |
| Physical Filtration | Chemical Filtration |
| Think of a sieve that removes suspended solids like dirt and sediment through barrier membranes. For example, activated charcoal absorbs contaminants and reduces its concentration in the water. | This filtration uses chemical reactions to inactivate contaminants by changing elements on a molecular level. For example, Ion exchange softens the water by breaking down calcium and magnesium carbonates. |
Many water filters use a combination of both filtration techniques to achieve purification.
Understanding how water filters function helps clarify the strengths and limitations of each type.
Now, let’s explore the most common types of water filters available.
Choosing Between Point of Use and Point of Entry Filters
Point-of-entry systems treat all the water entering your home, while point-of-use filters treat water at specific outlets.
Here’s a guide to deciding between them, depending on your household’s needs.
| Feature | Point of Use (POU) | Point of Entry (POE) |
| Purpose | Treats water at specific usage points | Filters all water entering the home |
| Location of Installation | Under the sink, on the countertop, or attached to the faucet | Main water line at the entrance to the home |
| Coverage | Single faucet or appliance | Entire household |
| Types of Filters Available | Pitcher filters, faucet filters, countertop, under-sink | Whole house filters, softeners, UV, and reverse osmosis |
| Technologies Used | Activated carbon, reverse osmosis, UV sterilization | Sediment filters, carbon, UV sterilization, softening |
| Flow Rate | Lower (dependent on faucet or appliance needs) | Higher (typically 5-20 gallons per minute) |
| Installation Complexity | Easier, often DIY, lower cost | Professional installation, higher cost |
| Maintenance Frequency | More frequent due to single-point usage | Less frequent, though filter media may vary |
| Ideal For | Drinking and cooking water | Whole-house applications, including bathing and laundry |
| Contaminants Removed | Chlorine, lead, sediment, and some chemicals | Sediment, chemicals, chlorine, hardness, bacteria |
| Cost Range | Generally affordable ($20-$300) | More expensive ($500-$3000+) |
Types of Water Filters: Finding the Best Fit for You
With so many filter options available, understanding how each type works makes it easier to select a water filter for your needs. Each filter works differently, targeting various impurities uniquely.
Activated Carbon Filters:
These are often found in pitcher filters and faucet attachments. They use activated carbon granules to remove chlorine, pesticides, and organic compounds. These filters improve taste but can’t remove heavy metals or microbes.
Learn more about the adverse effects of chlorine in tap water here.
Reverse Osmosis Filters:
For those seeking the highest level of purification, reverse osmosis filters are the go-to option. They force water through a semipermeable membrane, leaving behind all contaminants, including dissolved salts and minerals. However, they are comparatively expensive.
Learn more about turbidity issues in water.
Ion Exchange Filters:
If your problem is hard water, these filters are your answer. They work by exchanging calcium and magnesium ions for sodium ions. This results in softer water. While these filters produce gentler water the sodium content is also increased, which might not be suitable for everyone.
Learn more about filtering hard water here.
Distillation Filters:
These filters boil water, capturing the steam and condensing it back into purified water. The process removes most impurities with higher boiling points than water. However, it’s energy-intensive and might not remove VOCs that boil off with the steam.
Water Purification Products and Solutions
Faucet Water Filters
Faucet-mounted tap filters attach directly to your kitchen or bathroom faucet. Just turn on the faucet to instantly filter the water as it flows.
Filtration Mechanism: Activated carbon to reduce chlorine, lead, and some pesticides.
Installation: Screw directly onto the faucet’s end, often tool-free.
Pros
- Convenient access to filtered water.
- Cost-effective and easy to install.
- Option to switch between filtered and unfiltered modes.
Cons
- May not fit uniquely designed faucets.
- Can reduce water flow rate.
- Requires regular filter replacement
Check out PureFlowz 2 in 1 – Faucet-Mounted Water Filtration + Foam Rinse System
Beauty Shower Filters
Designed to reduce contaminants in shower water, these filters can improve skin and hair health.
Want to know the benefits of using shower filters?
Filtration Mechanism: Activated carbon or Kinetic Degradation Fluxion to reduce chlorine and heavy metals.
Installation: Attach between the showerhead and water line. Some models come with an integrated showerhead.
Check out PureFlowz Vitamin C shower filters for maximum skin care.
Pros
- Reduces exposure to chlorine
- Alleviates skin irritation
- Easy, tool-free installation
Cons
- May slightly reduce water pressure.
- Requires periodic filter replacement.
- Limited effectiveness against all contaminants.
Pre-Filters
Pre-filters capture large particles in multi-stage systems. Here’s how to remove limescale for a cleaner home.
Filtration Mechanism: Mesh or sediment filter to trap large particles like sand, silt, rust
Installation: Placed before the main filtration unit, typically in whole-house systems.
Pros
- Extends primary filter lifespan
- Improves system efficiency
- Reduces sediment buildup in plumbing.
Cons
- Requires regular cleaning.
- Does not remove smaller contaminant.
Water Filter Pitchers
Portable pitchers with built-in filters, ideal for small households or individuals.
Filtration Mechanism: Activated carbon for chlorine reduction and improved taste.
Installation: None required; gravity pulls water through the filter.
Pros
- Portable
- Affordable
- Improves taste
Cons
- Limited water capacity.
- Frequent filter replacements needed.
- Slow filtration speed.
Compare Faucet Filters vs Water Filter Pitchers here.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
Reverse Osmosis is an advanced system that removes a wide range of contaminants through multiple filtration stages.
Filtration Mechanism: Multi-stage, including pre-filtration and a semi-permeable membrane to remove heavy metals and dissolved solids.
Installation: Under-sink or whole-house installation; often needs professional setup.
Pros
- Removes up to 99% of contaminants.
- Post-filtration polishes water
- High-quality drinking water with improved taste.
Cons
- Expensive to install and maintain.
- Produces wastewater.
- May remove beneficial minerals.
Whole House Water Filters
Whole-house systems filter all incoming water, ensuring clean water at every outlet.
Filtration Mechanism: Multi-stage, including sediment filters, activated carbon, and UV purification.
Installation: At the main water line entry point. typically requires professional installation.
Pros
- Filtered water for the entire home.
- Protects plumbing and appliances from sediment buildup.
- Reduces exposure to contaminants during bathing and cleaning.
Cons
- High initial cost plus professional installation expenses.
- Requires regular maintenance and filter replacement.
Under-Sink Water Filters
Under-sink filters are mounted below the kitchen sink, providing filtered water via a separate faucet.
Filtration Mechanism: Varies by model. Can include sediment, activated carbon, and reverse osmosis.
Installation: Mounted under the sink, connected directly to the cold water line. It may need professional installation and a separate faucet.
Pros
- Hidden installation saves counter space.
- Provides continuous access to filtered water.
- Higher filtration capacity than pitchers or faucet filters.
Cons
- Installation can be complex.
- Filters require periodic replacement.
- May reduce the water flow rate.
Once you’ve chosen a filter type, it’s essential to consider the system setup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which water filter is best for improving taste and odor?
Activated carbon filters are great for improving taste and removing odor from tap water. Try PureFlowz faucet and pitcher filters.
2. How do I choose between a Point of Use (POU) and a Point of Entry (POE) system?
It depends on what you need. POU systems are ideal for specific locations, providing filtered water just where you need it. POE systems, on the other hand, filter all the water entering your home.
3. Does reverse osmosis remove minerals from water?
Yes. If you’re concerned about losing minerals, some systems offer remineralization stages to add essential minerals back into the water.
4. What should I look for when choosing a water filter?
Consider what contaminants you want to remove, the filter’s installation requirements, maintenance needs, and overall cost. Choose from PureFlowz Water Filter Products here.
5. Can I install a water filter myself?
Many filters are easy to install on your own. However, more complex systems like reverse osmosis or whole-house filters may require professional installation.
6. Are UV water filters effective?
UV filters are great for disinfecting water. However, they don’t remove chemical contaminants or sediments. UV filters are typically used in combination with other systems for complete purification.
7. How does a water softener work?
Water softeners use ion exchange to replace hard water minerals. This helps prevent limescale buildup in pipes and appliances.
8. Are there any environmental impacts of using a water filter?
Many filters are designed to be eco-friendly by reducing the need for bottled water. To be more sustainable, look for filters with long-lasting cartridges and choose systems that minimize water waste.
